Why Are Opiates So Addictive?

Opiates are very effective at pain relief. So effective in fact that they have been used as pain relief for centuries. Modern advances in chemistry have now created opiate-based medicines that are more effective than they ever have been, but there is one major issue – opiates are very, very addictive.

Before we examine what make opiates so addictive, let’s gain an understanding of what opiates actually are.

Brief History of Opiates

There are two types of opiates – those derived from opium and those created artificially. Opium itself comes from the opium poppy plant and has been used recreationally and for pain relief for over five thousand years. Modern opiates are concentrated forms of natural opium. They are manipulated synthetically and are called opioids. Common opioids include heroin, morphine, codeine and oxycodone.

As well as pain relief, opiates – especially concentrated opiates such as heroin – produce euphoric sensations known as ‘highs’. Long term use of opiates is destructive to health, and many people die each year due to opiate overdoses.

So Why Are Opiates so Addictive?

The chemicals the body uses to control pain are called endorphins. These chemicals also induce feelings of pleasure, joy and euphoria. When a person introduces an opiate into their body – usually through the bloodstream – the opiate fools the body into creating more endorphins. People using opiates quickly begin to enjoy the pleasurable sensations they experience.

For the short-term treatment of pain, opiates are harmless, but as the body becomes ‘accustomed’ to having opiates within its chemistry, it ceases making endorphins. As a result, a person who has been using opiates for an extended period of time can no longer naturally feel any sensations of joy and pleasure. The only way they can then feel ‘good’ is by using more opiates.

Once a person is using opiates simply to feel ‘okay’ they are deep within the realms of addiction. Eventually, the feelings generated by opiates diminish, and stronger and stronger doses are required. This leads to the danger of overdosing, and death.

Many people do manage to control their addiction so they are not in danger, but being free of opiates is a much better place to be, both physically and psychologically.

If You Want to be Free of Opiate Addiction Contact ARD Today

Our team here at Advanced Rapid Detox are available to help you conquer your opiate addiction. Take that first step today and contact us by phone at 800-603-1813 or use the online contact form available on our website.